Description
Crispy, cheesy, veggie-packed bites that are perfect for appetizers, lunches, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked short-grain or medium-grain rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup mixed veggies, finely diced (carrots, peas, corn, bell pepper)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (or your favorite melty cheese)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (plus 1/2 cup panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional, for umami)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or cumin (optional)
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or light olive oil)
Instructions
- Prep your rice and veggies: If you’re using day-old rice, fluff it with a fork. If it’s freshly cooked, spread it on a tray to let it cool and dry for 15–20 minutes.
- Sauté aromatics and veggies: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then toss in the diced carrots and bell pepper.
- Combine rice mixture: In a large bowl, mix the rice, sautéed veggies, shredded mozzarella, beaten eggs, chopped herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Chill the mixture (optional but recommended): Pop the bowl in the fridge for 20–30 minutes.
- Shape the rice balls: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into a tight ball between your palms.
- Bread them: Dip each rice ball first in egg, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry to golden perfection: Heat oil in a heavy skillet to about 350°F for shallow frying.
- Finish in the oven (chef hack): For extra assurance, pop the fried rice balls on a baking sheet into a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
- Serve warm: Let them rest for a minute before arranging on a platter.
Notes
Veggie rice balls can be made ahead of time and frozen. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: veggie rice balls, vegetarian snack, crispy snacks, cheesy bites, comfort food